Amina UmarEverton have agreed to sign Aston Villa midfielder Tim Iroegbunam in a deal worth around £10million, sources close to the negotiations have confirmed to Football Insider.
The 20-year-old England Under-20 international is set to join the Toffees on a permanent transfer, bolstering their options in central midfield.The agreement marks a significant coup for Everton, who have been tracking Iroegbunam’s progress for some time.
The young midfielder has struggled for game time at Villa Park under Unai Emery, making just 15 appearances and accumulating a mere 288 minutes of playing time in the 2023-24 campaign.Despite his limited opportunities, Iroegbunam is highly regarded within the Aston Villa hierarchy, and his departure is seen as a necessary evil to raise funds and comply with the Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Villa must generate £60million in player sales this summer, and Iroegbunam’s exit will contribute significantly to that total.The midfielder’s talent and potential have not gone unnoticed, with Dutch giants Ajax expressing interest in his services earlier this year. However, Everton have moved swiftly to secure his signature, beating off competition from other suitors.
Iroegbunam’s versatility in midfield will be a welcome addition to Everton’s squad, having played across various positions during his loan spell at Queens Park Rangers in the 2022-23 season. He made 28 starts in 33 appearances for the London club, gaining valuable experience that will serve him well in the Premier League.The transfer marks a significant statement of intent from Everton, who are looking to strengthen their squad and challenge for European places next season. With Iroegbunam’s signing, the Toffees will bolster their midfield options and provide manager Sean Dyche with greater flexibility in his team selection.
Aston Villa’s decision to sell Iroegbunam is part of a larger strategy to comply with the PSR, having already offloaded homegrown stars like Aaron Ramsey and Jaden Philogene. The sales will help Villa raise the necessary funds to meet the financial regulations, ensuring the club’s long-term stability and sustainability.
For Everton, the signing of Iroegbunam represents a shrewd piece of business, securing a talented young player at a reasonable price. As the Toffees look to build on last season’s progress, the addition of Iroegbunam will provide a welcome boost to their midfield ranks, and his potential for growth and development will be eagerly watched by fans and pundits alike.
Amina Umar
Sport nation
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